Page 27 - Enjoy-It 2023

However, one doesn’t actually have to be into any sports at all or indeed hunting to reside in this spectacular five- story Perthshire lodge.
On first impressions Tay House could be mistaken for a remarkably turned out five-star hotel, apart from the fact that the skeleton staff and owner Mike make themselves scarce shortly after a very warm welcome, as guests
are invited to be self-sufficient and self cater during
their stay, employing the beautifully appointed modern kitchen, large south facing dining room and sumptuous and interesting lounge. (However, Mike is rather a marvelous chap so track him down as a wee dram with him is always a treat). Opposite the lodge there is a south facing deck, Riverside Bar and outdoor socialising areas all belonging to the property.
Below decks is a secure gun store and pool table; there is an honesty bar in the reception along with family memorabilia taking guests back to the owners’ heritage – and the Spitfire...
The ten double bedrooms and self-catering apartments are dog friendly and offer high-end comfort; luxury amenities and over half have stunning views of the river.
Now history has dealt a couple of top hands to Dunkeld – firstly Dunkeld and Birnam station it is on the Highland Main Line, easy access from London to Inverness – so we were fortunate enough to sleep deeply after a superb supper on the Caledonian Sleeper and arrive in Dunkeld by 6am refreshed and ready for a full day. And full it was,
we settled in, discovered the delights of Dunkeld and met some fascinating and it seems eminently lucky locals,
as Dunkeld’s second Ace is its recently earned Sunday Times’ ‘Best Place in Scotland to Live’ accolade!
Well if you want a blessed taste of what that’s like, then Tay House is the answer.
We felt blessed all round frankly as this is a playground for the outdoors, adventurous, cultural, musical, and artistic types amongst us!
Whoever you are there is no excuse for your trip not only to be simple in terms of transport but fun-filled from the moment you arrive.
In a short week we managed to (in no particular order of course) eat and drink in many of the local pubs and restaurants. Self cater at Tay House with local delicacies from the artisan high street. We visited the cathedral set in stunning grounds. We walked along the river, both up and downstream. We rode horses, and quad bikes. We shot clays and we shot vodka. We tasted whiskey and the highland life. We danced as the locals made music and we swam in the cold water and adored the warm watercolours on gallery walls.
Each evening re-grouping to tell tales of our adventures. Make plans for the next day and before we knew it plans for our next stay...
For those who want to take advantage of the hunting season – there isn’t a better place to be, one is surrounded by champions, professionals and those that live and breathe the wildlife.
Tay House is adaptable, hire out the whole property for your party and keep in your own circle of friends. Travel alone for the shooting, fishing and meet like-minded individuals with whom one can spend long nights comparing notes and yarns.
Or come to recharge, come for the clean Perthshire air, the crystal water and the locals, all of which should be on prescription!
We will be back in the autumn, for a Tay House fix, and after only a week – it’s in our blood!
www.thetayhouse.co.uk
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